Why one reviewer chose the 'boring' black Pixel 11 Pro and called it the best decision

The main reason for the choice was not the color itself but the texture. According to the article, the writer disliked the shiny, slippery rails on the Pixel 10 Pro and had to wipe the sides several times a day. With the Obsidian Pixel 11 Pro, that problem disappeared. The matte finish showed no smudges and felt grippy and secure every time the phone was picked up, even after two weeks of ownership. The writer added that the Pixel 11 Pro in Obsidian was the favorite Pixel to hold since the Pixel 4.

The writer acknowledged that a case could solve the slipperiness but argued that a phone should be comfortable to hold on its own. They usually reserve cases for concerts or high-risk environments and said they were glad to go back to that habit after having to use a case more often with the Pixel 10 Pro.

Despite praising the matte finish, the writer expressed disappointment that only the black version of the Pixel 11 Pro got that treatment. The brighter Olive, Fog, and Canyon models kept a shiny finish, which the writer said felt less comfortable and less durable over time. The article noted that many companies release Pro or Ultra phones in muted colors, and Google was one of the few offering vibrant options, but making those models less practical was a shame.

The writer hopes the Pixel 12 series will offer a matte finish across all colors, calling that wish optimistic but not impossible. In the meantime, they plan to pair the Obsidian Pixel 11 Pro with a colorful dbrand skin to combine the practical matte back with a more personalized look.